Factors Contributing to the Increased Risks of Serious Injury for Motorcyclists

All motor vehicle accidents involve certain common legal and factual issues, but the unique nature of motorcycles means that riders who are involved in a collision often must overcome special challenges. In short, vehicle collision claims are not all created equal. In this blog article, our motorcycle accident lawyers provide an overview of the unique factors that contribute to motorcycle crashes and devastating riding injuries.

The most obvious risk involving motorcycles relates to their unique physical characteristics. The unique physical features of motorcycles place riders at an increased risk of serious injuries when confronted by a careless, intoxicated, or distracted passenger car driver. The risk of a fatal crash for motorcyclists is 27 times greater than for auto accident victims based on a per mile traveled basis according to the Insurance Information Institute (III).

Factors that expose motorcycle riders to a higher risk of being involved in a collision and to experiencing severe injuries include the following, among others:

Limited Stability: A vehicle that only has two wheels will inherently be less stable than a four-wheeled vehicle. If a rider must suddenly swerve or brake to avoid a crash, this lack of stability increases the risk of losing control or laying the bike down. Depending on the motorcycle and circumstances, a bike can also experience front wheel "wobble" when traveling at high rates of speed.

No Protective Barrier: Passengers in an automobile benefit from protective equipment that includes seat belts and air bags. This safety equipment increases the benefits of a reinforced passenger compartment by keeping occupants inside the vehicle. Vehicle ejection is one of the most significant factors in fatal car accidents, but every motorcycle crash essentially involves ejection because riders do not have the benefit of a protective enclosure. Although some equipment manufacturers have started marketing so-called "motorcycle airbags" they do not provide the same protection from injury because the surrounding passenger enclosure is missing.

Difficulty of Operation: Motorcycles require a much higher degree of skill and experience than a car to operate safely. When riders attempt to handle a motorcycle that is beyond their ability, the risk of a crash increases. Lack of rider experience constitutes a factor in many motorcycle collisions, such as crashes caused by improper braking.

Difficulty Being Seen: The small profile of a motorcycle often impairs the ability of other drivers to notice the presence of riders. This issue is compounded by the fact that motorcycles can travel in small spaces where motorists do not expect to see a vehicle.

High-Risk Practices: Motorcycles are relatively light vehicles that can travel at high rates of speed. Sport bikes provide a temptation to engage in high-risk practices that include sudden acceleration and speeding. Motorcycle riders who engage in high-risk riding practice increase their risk of injury and engage in conduct that might result in an injured rider being assigned a percentage of fault in a personal injury lawsuit.

Unanticipated Road Hazards: Many hazards that have no impact on a passenger car constitute potentially deadly threats to motorcyclists. Minor potholes, small oil deposits, accumulated sand, or roadway debris often cause riders to lay their bike down.

Put Our Law Firm's Over 32 Years of Experience to Work For Your Case!

If you or your loved one is injured in a Harley accident, our experienced Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyers work diligently in pursuit of the fullest recovery for our clients under the law. Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout Georgia and in the Southeast for over thirty-two years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.

No matter where you are located, the attorneys of Montlick and Associates, Attorneys at Law, are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.

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Please Note:Many of our blog articles discuss the law. All information provided about the law is very general in nature and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Every situation is different, and should be analyzed by a lawyer who can provide individualized advice based on the facts involved in your unique situation, and a consideration of all of the nuances of the statutes and case law that apply at the time.